This book I have read several times, I love it and it inspires me and even though the ending was not how I want it to be, I continue to read it over and over and cry over it over and over because I love to get so attached to them. I LOVE this book and will definitely buy it!

I would not recommend this book for kids under 12, because of violence and themes that may be disturbing to younger kids (child abuse, animal abuse). I read this book because it was one of the 2015/16 nominees for the Minnesota Maud Hart Lovelace book awards (for the 6th-8th grade age group). The book keeps you eagerly reading because it has mystery and suspense in it, but the story is also heartfelt and bittersweet with well-developed characters. Highly recommend for kids ages 12-16 (especially boys). (Review written by a mom)

"Believing that the man dating his widowed mother is a disreputable person, 12-year-old Foster bonds with a mysterious Iraq War veteran who imparts wisdom and secrets before exposing threatening character qualities that escalate into a violent personal clash." KIds' Books November 2012 Newsletter http://www.nextreads.com/Display2.aspx?SID=5acc8fc1-4e91-4ebe-906d-f8fc5e82a8e0&N=573699